How to Re-Stain a Bed Frame

Related Articles

Wood bed frames can add character to a bedroom. They are solid, and they show craftsmanship and pride. However, many wood bed frames come from the manufacturer stained almost black, a style that's too dark for many people. But, you don't have to live with that depressing frame. Stain is only a few centimeters deep. You can sand it off by hand and re-stain it in one afternoon.

1

Remove the mattress and box springs. Use a small socket set to dismantle the frame into four large pieces. Place them one at a time across two sawhorses.

2

Sand the frame parts using 100-grit sandpaper on a hand block. Sand parallel to the grain until you've sanded down to bare wood. You will need to sand through the lacquer first. Typical bed frames have only minimal coats of lacquer. It comes off easily. Change the sandpaper every few minutes or whenever it gets slick.

3

Sand inside curves or spindles by wrapping them with the sandpaper. Twist the sandpaper back and forth with the palm of your hand like you're sharpening a pencil. Fold the sandpaper and use the sharp edge of it to sand inside tight spots or edges. Sand all of the parts until they look like bare wood. When there are no shiny spots, you're finished.

4

Dip a soft cloth into an open can of stain. Wipe the stain onto the frame parts until they are wet with stain. Immediately wipe the stain off. Wait 30 minutes for the stain to dry.

5

Spray the frame with one coat of aerosol lacquer. Wait 15 minutes and sand the frame by hand with 180-grit sandpaper. Spray another coat on the frame to finish. Wait four hours before reassembling the frame. Allow 24 hours for the lacquer to cure before using the bed.

Things You Will Need

Socket set

100-grit sandpaper

Stain

Aerosol lacquer

180-grit sandpaper

Tip

It's okay if the bed frame looks blotchy after sanding. The depth of sanding is up to you, but remember, when you apply new stain, blotches and discolored areas will disappear.

Warnings

Refinished bed frames will have an odor for about two weeks. If this bothers you, allow the frame to cure until it's odor free.

About the Author

Specializing in hardwood furniture, trim carpentry, cabinets, home improvement and architectural millwork, Wade Shaddy has worked in homebuilding since 1972. Shaddy has also worked as a newspaper reporter and writer, and as a contributing writer for Bicycling Magazine. Shaddy began publishing in various magazines in 1992, and published a novel, “Dark Canyon,” in 2008.